How Did Max Weber Use Social Class In Gran Torino

Max Weber’s ideas involving social class and the Protestant Work Ethic are a main message in Gran Torino. Weber explains the idea of social class being a complicated concept made up of power, prestige, and property. Power, meaning the ability to change people’s thinking to your own, or simply get your way. Prestige is a result of social status and property is what you own or economic situation. In my opinion Weber’s thinking is right, that the idea of social class is more complicated than Marx explained. When discussing social class differences and conflicts it is also important to discuss the oppressed, which Weber does with his ideological justifications. It is important to determine where the hierarchy of groups finds justification in treating some groups differently from other demographics, such as, race, gender, religion, etc. When discussing the American Dream and The Protestant work ethic, Weber argued that we were responsible for our economic status and with hard work we had the ability to gain financial growth. Walt’s vehicle is his most valued possession and he reminds the audience throughout the …show more content…
Walt’s “pull yourself up by your bootstraps,” mindset help Thoa strive in a community in which he was considered to be weak and oppressed. Social Workers must constantly be looking for what drives people to succeed as well as aware of what obstacles they may face. It is also important, as Social Workers, we recognize the importance and pride individuals take from their hard work and that the idea of the “American Dream,” is still instilled in families today, no matter what their social group they belong to. Although it has come to be known that this idea is harder to obtain in today’s world, it is still important that we acknowledge its existence in efforts to help people whom this idea is embedded